Making sense (and, sometimes, nonsense) out of Current News, Issues, Politics

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Obama's Record on Mass Shootings

As the following FBI data shows, mass shooting incidents have been on the rise since 2000.

In addition, these incidents have more than doubled under his Presidency (2009-2103) when compared to years prior. From 2000-2008, this country averaged about 8.4 mass shootings per year. Under Obama's watch, we have 18.6 incidents annually.

On the heels of the Charleston shooting, Obama calls for gun control. Despite this country having more guns than ever, the actual number of murders has fallen from approximately 23,000 to 24,000 in the 1990's to just over 14,000 by 2013.

Obviously, there are some cross-currents in our society. During Obama's presidency we have seen the highest incidence of mass shootings and the lowest number of murders since 1969.

The continued decline in the number of murders is something that Obama inherited. Some say that tougher drug laws were the reason. Others believe that increased stop-and-frisk and traffic stops is resulting in more and more illegal firearms being taken off the streets. Others believe that increased gun ownership makes the criminal element think twice about using a gun in robberies or other crimes. But, one thing is known, incarcerations have doubled since the 1990's while the murder rate is down 42%.

So, this brings us to President Obama and the three-fold increase in mass killings. I am not going to speculate why, like a light switch, this has happened. But, it has. And, all I can say is this kind of problematic killing by primarily young people has some psychological and sociological foundation and has less to do with gun control; given that murders, in general, are down. I will say this. Constantly, Obama and other Democrats such as Hillary Clinton downplay the good about America only to focus on its faults regarding race, the police, gay rights etc. Someone on the edge mentally, can easily amplify this talk and decide to take action on their own; resulting in a mass shooting. But, this is just my opinion.